HeadRush MX5 settings
1979 settings for HeadRush MX5
The Smashing Pumpkins · adapted 2 times on ToneAdapt
To get the The Smashing Pumpkins "1979" riff tone on a HeadRush MX5, use the 82 Lead 800 amp model on the crunch channel, then set Drive 4, Master 7, Bass 5.5, Mid 6.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 5.5. Use the neck + middle pickup with your guitar's tone on 7-8 and volume on 8-9.
Riff settings
Adapted for a Fender Stratocaster · updated 2026-09-30
- Amp model
- 82 Lead 800
- Channel
- Crunch
- Cab
- 4x12 Closed Back
- Pickup
- Neck + Middle
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 7-8 · Volume 8-9
Amp block
- Drive
- 4
- Master
- 7
- Bass
- 5.5
- Mid
- 6.5
- Treble
- 6.5
- Presence
- 5.5
Effects chain
- 1compressionCompressorLevel 5 · Ratio 4 · Attack 5 · Release 5
- 2modulationMulti ChorusMix 5 · Rate 3 · Depth 5
- 3reverbSpringMix 2 · Decay 3
Playing tips
- Use a light touch to maintain the clean tone without overdriving the amp.
- Consider using a compressor to enhance sustain and even out dynamics.
- If available, add a subtle chorus effect for added depth and shimmer.
The original rig
What The Smashing Pumpkins used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your HeadRush MX5 actually has.
- Guitar
- Fender Stratocaster (likely 1970s or early 80s, as used by Billy Corgan in studio)
- Amp
- Marshall JCM800 (modded with KT88 tubes, as used on Mellon Collie sessions)
- Gain
- 4
- Bass
- 5.5
- Mid
- 6.5
- Treble
- 6.5
- Presence
- 5.5
- Reverb
- 2.5
Different guitar or pedals? Get 1979 adapted to your exact rig
These settings were generated for the gear named above. ToneAdapt adapts The Smashing Pumpkins's tone to your own guitar, pickups, amp and pedals in seconds.
Frequently asked questions
What amp model should I use on the HeadRush MX5 for 1979?
Use the 82 Lead 800 (crunch channel) with Drive 4, Master 7, Bass 5.5, Mid 6.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 5.5, followed by Compressor, Multi Chorus, Spring.
Which pickup should I use for 1979?
Neck + Middle, with the guitar's tone at 7-8 and volume at 8-9.
What gear did The Smashing Pumpkins use on 1979?
Guitar: Fender Stratocaster (likely 1970s or early 80s, as used by Billy Corgan in studio). Amp: Marshall JCM800 (modded with KT88 tubes, as used on Mellon Collie sessions).
Will these settings work with my guitar?
These settings were adapted for a Fender Stratocaster. Different pickups change how much gain and treble you need. ToneAdapt adapts the tone to your exact guitar, pickups, amp and pedals.
1979 on other amps
Popular songs on the HeadRush MX5
- Sweet Child O' Mine · Guns N' Roses
- Master of Puppets · Metallica
- Enter Sandman · Metallica
- Walk · Pantera
- Welcome to the Jungle · Guns N' Roses
- Holy Wars · Megadeth
- Back in Black · AC/DC
- Raining Blood · Slayer
- Hotel California · Eagles
- Pride and Joy · Stevie Ray Vaughan
- Crazy Train · Ozzy Osbourne
- Do I Wanna Know? · Arctic Monkeys
Settings are generated by ToneAdapt's tone adaptation for the gear named on this page and are a starting point — every amp, guitar and room is a little different.